CABEÇA - A SUSTAINABLE CHRISTMAS VILLAGE

Last tuesday,  I drove to Cabeça, Aldeia Natal (Christmas Village), located at a curvy granite hill, a mountain tiny village (170 inhabitants, most of which are aged) that is completely sustainable: all decorations are made out of natural products sourced from the mountains, materials that are recyclable from local industry or technology that is energy conscious.

Nature provides the whole material for celebrating Christmas: the stars, for example, are made of maize and the Christmas balls are moulded with fern leaves. 

It is a very special Christmas celebration where the beauty and biodiversity of the region are on display, while paying close attention to environmental and cultural values. So, forest materials such as tree limbs and mountain moss are used in the eco-décor. 

Unused wool products from the region’s textile factories are utilized.

Street and building lights are all energy efficient LEDs.

I strolled the streets and enjoyed the lovely decorated mountain homes. A Nativity scene placed at the courtyard of the main church payed tribute to the Christmas story. 

Improvised stalls displayed handmade gifts as well as food and drinks. 

Around Cabeça wide areas of steep slopes were erected along the centuries, where the soil is supported by schist and granite walls.

 

                   MAY YOU ALL HAVE A ....